When hiring a wedding/event planner...

You should feel comfortable talking to this person and knowing that your ideas are clearly understood. You will be spending a lot of time together while you plan one of the most important days of your life.

Ask about their education and experience. Regardless of the answer, you need to know this before you sign an agreement to work together. This will allow you to set realistic expectations.

Most professional planners charge an hourly rate, a flat fee, or a percentage of your total budget. No matter how you are billed, make sure you get a written agreement that includes their fee, payment schedule, and each party's responsibility.